- Remove all strings and pegs from the violin.
- Place a piece of felt padding on the floor or a table
- Lay the violin on top of the padding
Step 2: Remove Old Finish
- Use a violin scraper or a sharp, curved knife to gently remove the old finish.
- Start at the edges and work your way inward.
- Be careful not to gouge the wood.
Step 3: Sand the Violin
- Use fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit or higher) to smooth out the violin.
- Sand in the direction of the grain.
- Be careful not to sand too much.
Step 4: Apply Filler
- Use a wood filler to fill any cracks or holes in the violin.
- Let the filler dry according to the package instructions.
Step 5: Re-Sand The Violin
- Once the filler is dry, re-sand the violin with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the filler and blend it in with the rest of the wood.
Step 6: Apply Stain (Optional)
- Apply wood stain to the violin if you want to change its color.
- Be careful to use a stain that is compatible with the wood (oil or water-based).
- Let the stain dry according to the package instructions.
Step 7: Apply Sealer
- Apply a coat of sealer to the violin to protect the wood.
- Let the sealer dry fully before moving on.
Step 8: Apply Varnish
- Apply several thin coats of varnish to the violin.
- Let each coat dry fully before applying the next one.
- Sand between coats with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any bumps.
Step 9: Polish the Violin
- Once the varnish is completely dry, polish the violin with a violin polishing compound.
- This will help to bring out the shine and protect the finish.
Step 10: Re-String the Violin
- Once the violin is refinished, you can re-string it and enjoy playing it!